More than half of North East people are against plans to merge the region's police forces, according to a new poll.

Independent think tank Policy Exchange, who carried out the survey through Populus, has revealed strong opposition to the Government's plans for merging Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria Police forces.

The new survey found that 56% of people oppose the merger plans. Opposition was strong among those already aware of the plans, with 40% opposed and 21% in favour.

James O'Shaughnessy, head of research at Policy Exchange, said: "The results are unequivocal. Labour's proposed merger is unpopular with local people."